It's a bad day for allergies! High winds, heavy pollen and climate change all factors
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - While spring typically brings super blooms of beautiful flowers, the season also brings a super bloom of sneezes too.
This year's mix of rains, warm weather and high winds may be making it worse than usual for people with seasonal allergies. Plus, the pollen count is high, especially for oak, ash and mulberry trees. The grass pollen level is medium, but that could rise any day.
Doctors are recommending those who suffer from allergies start taking their medication early and washing clothes immediately after coming inside to rid the material of pollen.
One reason that allergy season seems to be getting more intense may be climate change. Global warming may be at the center of surging pollen counts, some researchers say. Rising average temperatures could be leading to a longer ragwood season, for instance.
A recent study in the journal Lancet Planetary Health found that airborne pollen counts have been increasing around the world as average temperatures climb. A majority of the 17 sites studied showed an increase in the amount of pollen and longer pollen seasons over the last 20 years.